Rangers Football Club is understood to be in advanced negotiations with former Southampton, Swansea City, and MK Dons head coach Russell Martin, with a view to him becoming the club’s new manager. The chant on all Gers fans’ lips is Russell Martin Rangers Manager, as anticipation builds around what the former Russel Martin Scotland international could bring to the club.
This Rangers FC News update has dominated headlines, with many eagerly awaiting confirmation of the New Rangers FC Manager Russell Martin. The move signals a potentially significant shift in direction for the Glasgow giants as they look to usher in a new era under their recently instated American owners.
The search for a new figurehead at Ibrox began following the departure of Philippe Clement in February. Former club captain Barry Ferguson stepped in as interim head coach, steering the team through the final months of the season. However, the club’s hierarchy, including new sporting director Kevin Thelwell and CEO Patrick Stewart, alongside the US consortium that recently completed its takeover, has been diligently working to identify a permanent successor.
Various names were reportedly considered, including a mooted return for Steven Gerrard and discussions with former Real Madrid assistant Davide Ancelotti. Yet, it is the 39-year-old Martin who has emerged as the clear frontrunner.
What Could Rangers Fans Expect from Russell Martin Rangers Manager? A Deep Dive into the “Russel Martin Style of Play”
Should the appointment of Russell Martin Rangers Manager be confirmed, Rangers fans can anticipate a distinct and possession-heavy brand of football. Martin is a staunch advocate of a particular Russel Martin Style of Play, one that has been evident at all his previous managerial posts: MK Dons, Swansea City, and most recently, Southampton.
His philosophy centers around dominating the ball, building play patiently from the back, and employing intricate passing sequences to break down opponents. At MK Dons, his side famously set a British record with a goal scored from a 56-pass move in March 2021. During that same season, only Manchester City and Barcelona boasted a higher average possession percentage in Europe than the League One outfit. This commitment to his principles continued at Swansea, where, despite a mixed win record (less than 38% at both MK Dons and Swansea), the style of football often drew plaudits.
🚨🔵 Rangers are closing in on the appointment of Russell Martin as new head coach.
Former Southampton manager has already accepted the project, ready for new chapter. 🏴 pic.twitter.com/WAKp4hSBfk
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 3, 2025
His most recent role at Southampton saw him guide the Saints to the Premier League via the play-offs, a testament to his system’s effectiveness in the demanding EFL Championship. However, his refusal to compromise on these principles in the top flight ultimately contributed to his dismissal in December, with the team struggling.
“To get to the Premier League and then change would be illogical,” Martin stated after a narrow loss to Manchester City in October. “I cannot stand on the sidelines watching something I don’t feel connected with or love. I don’t see the point in that.” This “stubborn commitment,” as some have termed it, is a defining characteristic.
The critical question for Rangers FC News followers is whether this approach will flourish in the Scottish Premiership, a league where Rangers are expected to dominate possession against most domestic opponents. Former Ibrox forward Steven Naismith, who played alongside Martin for Scotland and Norwich City, believes it could be a perfect fit. “He’s got a clear style, a clear identity, and that, for me, is massive.”
Naismith told BBC Sport Scotland. “Nine times out of 10 in Scotland, Rangers will play against teams sitting in, and it’s about breaking them down. I think Russell’s philosophy is all about that. He wants his team to have lots of possession, push the opposition deep, and then hurt them.”
However, the Russel Martin Style of Play is not without its risks. Playing out from the back demands high technical proficiency and composure from all players, particularly defenders and goalkeepers. Errors in dangerous areas can be and have been costly for Martin’s teams. Southampton, for instance, committed ten errors leading to opposition shots in just seven Premier League games under his tenure last season, a significant increase from their Championship campaign. Rangers fans will need to prepare for a period of adaptation and potentially some heart-in-mouth moments as players get accustomed to the demands of the New Rangers FC Manager Russell Martin.
More Than Just Tactics for the Potential New Rangers FC Manager Russell Martin
Beyond the tactical whiteboard, Martin is known for his strong leadership qualities and communication skills. He captained Norwich City to Premier League promotion and also wore the armband at Wycombe Wanderers and Peterborough United. Former teammates speak highly of his management. Scotland goalkeeper Angus Gunn, who played with Martin at Norwich, described him as “a very intellectual guy” who “helped me massively.”
Gunn added, “I watch him now on TV, and the way he wants to play and his philosophy. I really hope that whatever he goes on to in his career will be successful. I think it would be a really good thing for Rangers.” Former Swansea striker Lee Trundle echoed these sentiments, telling BBC Sport Scotland, “Everyone at Swansea loved playing for him. He’s honest with his players; he tells them what he needs.”
Fans Will Welcome Russell Martin Scotland, But Patience Will Be Key
The prospect of Russell Martin Rangers Manager, taking charge is likely to be met with a mixture of excitement and cautious optimism by the Ibrox faithful. There’s an undeniable desire for a clear, attacking identity on the pitch, something Martin’s philosophy promises. The “new chapter” spoken of by the club’s hierarchy suggests a move away from the more pragmatic approaches seen at times in recent years.
Fans will likely be delighted by the commitment to an attractive, possession-based game. However, the memory of Martin’s Premier League struggles with Southampton, where his unwillingness to adapt his style was questioned, will linger in some minds. The Scottish Premiership presents a different challenge; Rangers will often be the protagonists, tasked with breaking down deep-lying defences. Martin’s system, in theory, is designed for exactly this.
The key will be implementation and patience. There may be an adjustment period as players adapt to their rigorous tactical demands. The intense scrutiny of the Glasgow media and the unyielding demand for results from the Rangers support means Martin will need to hit the ground running. The early weeks of his tenure, should the appointment be finalized, will be crucial in setting the tone and building belief in his methods.
